Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center

Milwaukee Rep’s state-of-the-art rehearsal, performance and classroom spaces serve more than 20,000 students through our in-school, after-school and community programs. These spaces allow us to expand our award-winning programming while addressing some of our community’s most pressing needs, including improving literacy, supporting social-emotional growth and creating school-to-career pathways.

Beyond student engagement, the Center serves as a hub for audiences and the broader community, hosting dynamic pre- and post-show activities, workshops and events that bring people together in meaningful ways. Flexible rental opportunities also make it an ideal setting for conferences, private events and community gatherings, further strengthening its role as a cultural and community cornerstone.

Lower Level

This level of the Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center is a versatile, open-concept space that can be adapted to suit a variety of needs. Whether configured for a student theatrical reading or performance, a formal event dining setting, pre- or post-show social hours, or a meeting space for small to large groups, it offers the flexibility to create the perfect environment for any occasion.

Students will also utilize this space for afterschool activities, social hangouts, and as the home base for Milwaukee Rep’s Teen Council. Features include...

Entrance Lounge
A welcoming landing zone perfect for small group meetings or individual study, offering a comfortable space to gather and collaborate

Quiet Room

Ideal for coaching sessions, private meetings, and serving as the location for our audio describer, providing a peaceful environment for focused work

Catering Kitchen

Preparation area designed to support events and activities

Restrooms
Newly built restrooms serving both the Education & Engagement Center and the Herro-Franke Studio Theater. These restrooms include accessible stalls with ADA-compliant fixtures to ensure accessibility for all guests

Haack Level 1 Galleria Access
Enjoy direct access to Level 1 of the Sandra & William Haack Galleria, the Herro-Franke Studio Theater, and the Lower Orchestra Level of the Checota Powerhouse Theater, providing seamless movement between key areas of the Center

Access to Riverwalk

Convenient access to the Northwestern Mutual Riverwalk Patio, offering an outdoor escape with beautiful views of the Milwaukee River

Level 2

This level of the Education & Engagement Center is purposefully designed for classes, workshops, and activities offered through community programs and our new School of Theater. It provides a dynamic, flexible environment where people of all ages can explore the craft of theater, from foundational skills to advanced performance techniques.

Beyond theater, this space is dedicated to fostering creativity and collaboration through a variety of community-driven initiatives, such as art workshops, group discussions, and team-building activities. It’s a place where individuals can come together to share ideas, inspire one another, and develop skills that extend beyond the stage, strengthening personal connections and enriching our collective cultural fabric.

Whether for youth programs, adult education, or professional development, this level supports a wide range of learning experiences, empowering participants to engage in meaningful ways.

Features include...

Flexible Classrooms 
The space can be configured as two distinct soundproof classrooms, or by moving the portable wall, it transforms into one large room spanning the entire second level

Access to the Level 2 Galleria
The classrooms have direct entry to the Sandra & William Haack Galleria on Level 2, providing convenient access to restrooms and the entrance to the Checota Powerhouse Theater. Additionally, the new elevator in the galleria offers seamless access to both Level 1 and Level 3 of the Haack Galleria, ensuring easy movement throughout the entire Theater Center.

Access to Education Center Level 1
Just off the classrooms is a set of stairs that provides access to Level 1 of the Education & Engagement Center